Ultrasound Degrees

Illinois Ultrasound Schools(found 12 schools)

Listed below are all of the accredited schools in Illinois that offer ultrasound or sonography degree or certificate programs.

Overview

Illinois is a Midwestern state with a diverse population and geography, requiring a diverse and well educated healthcare workforce. Chicago, Illinois’ most populous city, is the third largest city in the nation and offers many career opportunities in the health industry including those in sonography and radiology fields.

Whether you are looking for associate’s, bachelor’s or certificate programs in ultrasound in Illinois, there are several schools to choose from. Request information from those programs listed below to begin exploring your options for working in the ultrasound career field.

★ Online Healthcare Degrees

Below are some popular online health care degrees that accept students from across the US:

Online BS in Health Information Management and Online AS in Respiratory Therapy

Ultrasound/Sonography Education in Illinois

Most of Illinois’ ultrasound technology training programs are found in community colleges and small universities in the state. You can obtain your certificate or associate degrees in MRI, ultrasound technology, cardiac and vascular sonography, or radiologic technology. There are also a few related bachelor’s degree programs in the state.

You may wonder about the difference between each of these careers and certificates in the ultrasound field. Below you will find a brief explanation of some of the more popular options and the basic educational avenues available for each.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer- You will be trained in taking x-rays, administering dye for diagnostic procedures, preparing patients for procedures and managing equipment and devices. You can earn either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in this field, taking anywhere from two to four years.

Radiologic Technician- Your education will prepare you to operate x-ray equipment, prepare and position patients for x-rays, communicate time sensitive results to other healthcare providers and maintain accurate medical records. Coursework will be both classroom and clinically based.

Cardiovascular Technician- This career usually requires an Associate’s degree, along with a specialty certificate in cardiovascular care. You will receive instruction on the heart and its basic functioning and anatomy along with the operation, maintenance and assistance with cardiac imaging machinery.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilizes magnetic fields and ultrasonic frequencies to isolate and visualize areas within the body. You will be trained in operating this high tech scanner, as well as in basic anatomy and the sciences.

There are several different routes, degree programs and ultrasound certificates in Illinois, so we recommend getting information from many different schools to begin. Once you have an outline of the different program materials, you can compare costs, curriculum and career options to make a sound decision.

Regardless of which educational route you choose, you can rest assured that you will be joining the medical team at a time when it is essential. The more well trained team members there are, the better off healthcare will be.

Outlook for Ultrasound/Sonography Careers in Illinois

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Illinois’ diagnostic sonographers earn a mean annual salary of $67,470 (BLS, 2013). Cardiovascular technicians in the state earn $52,650 annually and radiology technologist/technician salaries average $58,920 (BLS, 2013).

Most of these professional positions are located within general medical and surgical hospitals, physicians’ offices and outpatient care centers. Of course, your level of education and certification will likely directly affect your employability as well as your earnings, so getting a good education to start is essential.